The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1887-08-20
A RAJAH's MANSION.
Description of Visit to the Elegant Hons
of an Indian Prince.

Description of Visit to the Elegant Home
of an Indian Prince.
When l was finishing a busy day, in
company with Mr.. May, we stopped at
the house of Rajah, on side of Cal
cutta which l had not visited before.
The magnificent home of native
Hindu Prince is always a place of in
terest The fact that such thing ex-
lists, is of itself remarkable. The Eng
lish have had matters their own way,
and, like the Give, could easily have
absorbed about all the wealth of the
country. On the contrary, they have
been just and moderate. Even the
Princes who arrayed themselves
against India during the mutiny have
not been turned adrift without rupee.
Many of the noble families are to-day
drawing pensions from the general
treasury, and living in vast luxury.
There are many others, however, who
seem to have been in no way connected
with the political complications of the
country, and are in the undisturbed en-
joyment of their vast estates. The
English respect for native rights in
India is one of the most remarkable
Illustrations of political justice in his
tory. 1t is as far above modern SPANS
treatment Of her colonial possessions,
or ancient Rome's procedure in rela-
ton to her conquered provinces, as
Christianity is above and beyond either
ancient or modern paganism.
The entrance from the street to this
Rajah's home is large, and dnguarded
by servants. There is a large circular
court, with a pond for marine fowls
and fishes In the trees there are par
rots and other tame birds.
Our cards at the door of the great
mansion secured us prompt admission.
The furniture was rich, and mostly in
European style, but there were some
old pieces of elaborate Indian work
manship. Marble objects of ornament,
and rich floors, and finely wrought
wainscoting, and tall mirrors were to
be seen on every hand. The rooms
were in part in suits, and in part locat-
ed Singly, as quiet hooks for conyersa-
ton and retirement Some. of the
larger halls and chambers were in pro.
cess of new decoration.
In India much of the work of embel-
fishing, and even of the more solid dec
grafton in stone, is done by artists in
the house, and not in the distant work
shops. The marble cutters, instead Of
finishing the objects away from the
house, do it on the spot where they
are to be used. 1t is no short
task, therefore, to puta native house
in order in India. Wood and stone are
brought to the place in the rough, and
the workmen, in large numbers carry
out their plans within the eye of the
owner of the house. In this Rajah's
house was all the litter of a great Flor
entine marble workshop. Here was
work going on in fine mosaic, the ar
fists, no doubt, having come from
Agra for the special purpose. There
were many servants and overseers,
some of them clad in picturesque
oriental costume, and all having their
specific duties.
The grandson of the Rajah, courtly
young gentleman. conversed with us a
few minutes, and then withdrew. The
intelligent attendant who had received
US at first was in no haste, but gave us
ample time to examine this immense
building and all its appointments and
the surrounding grounds One thing
here greatly astonished me-the appar-
ent modesty of the wealthy native. II
he has an ostentatious spirit, it is hard
to detect it, He says nothing in praise
of his rare birds, or fine mosaics, vast
halls, or the immense boa con stric-
tors, which wind about, or sleep in the
meadow behind the close wire fence.
He simply stands at distance, or
leaves a servant with you, and only
bows his head in acknowledgement of
any words of appreciation which you
may say concerning any beautiful OF
!, surprising collection. Bishop John f.
i Hurst, in Chautauquan.